Welcoming you to the Faculty of Computer Science

We know that you have many questions during this time. We hope to provide answers to some of those questions, but if we haven’t answered something, please do get in touch via graduate@cs.dal.ca. We hope it won't be long before we all can meet in person!

What is an online fall term going to be like?
You should have seen the update from the University that the fall term will take place predominantly online. Rest assured that this will not affect the quality of your experience with us. Prior to current circumstances, we had already adapted our experience and course-delivery to be more flexible and accessible. Therefore, when you begin your studies in September, you will benefit from a well-established online course environment.

We guarantee that you will be able to fully participate in your program wherever you are. If you are not in Halifax but can join us in real time you will be able to interact, ask questions during lectures, labs and tutorials, and generally engage with professors and other students. If not, you will be able to complete 100% of your classes at a time that works for you.

Our researchers across our clusters, labs and institutes have adapted to remote research. If you have a supervisor, please feel free to connect with them directly to find out more about the work you can expect to be involved in during the fall term.

How will this affect my student experience?
We are currently planning a robust schedule of extra-curricular activities for you for the fall term, investing in resources to ensure you will benefit from a great online student experience.

• Orientation will be online and as informative and engaging as usual.
• Our Computer Science Graduate Society and Women in Technology Society have recently elected their new 2020/21 executives and will be in touch regarding their plans for the fall soon.
• Faculty of Computer Science-based technology innovation sandbox ShiftKey Labs will be hosting virtual hackathons and other programming throughout the fall.

Should I take a gap year?
Everyone’s situation is different, and you should do what is best for you. What we will say is that the opportunities are endless right now for those studying and working in Computer Science-related fields. Tech companies across the globe are successfully moving online. While you may not be beginning your degree under the circumstances you may have imagined, there couldn’t be a better time to start your computing career as the whole world becomes digital.

Can I defer my application to the Master of Applied Computer Science (MACS) program?
We are offering a number of deferral options for applicants to the Master of Applied Computer Science. Learn more.

What now?
We're here to support you with your transition to your program and remote learning! Please check out when your orientation activities will occur and join our Faculty of Computer Science community online on Dal Mobile. 

We have created some videos to welcome new students to our programs:

• Master of Applied Computer Science
• Master of Computer Science
• Master of Digital Innovation
• PhD, Computer Science

Our dedicated team of professors, staff, and students will be available to support you throughout your term. If you need any support, please email our graduate team at graduate@cs.dal.ca. 

In the meantime, remember to stay connected with the Faculty through social media – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.